The Adrian High School girls basketball team enters this season with a new face on the bench.

Former Deerfield boys coach Todd Barrus takes over the Maples. Barrus coached at Napoleon from 1992 to 2002 and Deerfield from 2003 to '09.

"We have some pretty good talent this year, and it will be interesting to see how we come together as a team with a new system and new coaching staff," Barrus said. "The girls have been working hard, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us."

"The girls are picking up the system very well and getting better every day," Barrus said.

ADDISON: The Panthers return three starters and hope to make a splash in the Cascades Conference race.

"We have an experienced squad coming back with a good balance or inside and outside players that will work well together," Addison coach Tory VanSickle said. "We need to pick up our defensive intensity and improve shooting the basketball, and we can improve upon last year's record and our league standings."

Addison went 11-9 last season (6-8 Cascades). The Panthers excelled in close games, winning every contest decided by single digits.

Senior forward Shelby Reniger will start for the fourth straight season. Senior guard Josie Glazier and senior center Autumn Schmelzer enter their third season as starters.

"I really like our attitude and think we can have a good season and compete at the league and districts," VanSickle said.

LENAWEE CHRISTIAN: The senior-heavy Cougars look to repeat as district champions this season.

"We are a team loaded with seniors and a team that really came together at the end of the season last year," LCS coach Joe Long said. "I expect good things from our returning players from last year. They really started playing good basketball and that carried over to the summer ball. We still have a very tough schedule, and we are looking to grow this season and defend our district title at the end."

LCS finished 7-17 last season and beat Waldron in overtime to claim a district title.

Page 2 of 2 - With Alexis Long out with an injury, senior forward Shelby Spreeman will carry more responsibility in the post. Junior guard Danielle Rydzinski and sophomore Rachael Smelser are shooting threats from the outside.

"We are small in numbers, but very strong in spirit and tenacity," Long said. "I expect some great things from these girls."

TECUMSEH: The Indians enter this season with first-year coach Jared Adamson at the helm. Adamson looks to help Tecumseh improve on last year's 3-18 finish.

"We are working toward changing the culture and mindset of the girls basketball program," Adamson said. "The girls are working hard and getting better every day. We will rely on a strong defense-first philosophy."